Patchouli Essential oil has been well known for its deep, earthy and musky fragrance. This oil has numerous health benefits. It has been used as an antiseptic, in aromatherapy, for acne and eczema inflammation, for stress buster, as an aphrodisiac.
The basic components of Patchouli Essential Oil are Alpha Guanine, Caryophyllene, Norpatchoulenol, Alpha Bulnesene, Alpha Patchoulene, Patchouli-Alcohol, Beta Patchoulene, Seychellene and Pogostol which pumps up this oil with superpowers that you and I cannot go without!
Patchouli has been a native produce in warm to tropical climates such as in India.
Table of Contents
Health Benefits Of Patchouli Oil
1. Patchouli For Skin And Scalp
Properties explored: Astringent, Cicatrising, Cypholactic
If you are anyhow a healthy skin preacher, this oil has revolutionary abilities not just to eliminate causes of acne or eczema inflammation, but also render chapped and irritated skin flawless and new.
- The oil stimulates contraction in muscles, nerves, and skin preventing sagging from waxing and threading routines
- Patchouli is an essential ingredient is all anti-aging creams, and hence, a must have before-bed-beauty-habit.
- The oil can also cure rough scalp and dandruff on the diluted application.
DIY Applications
Hand Cream: Combine 1/2 cup olive or coconut oil with 1/4 cup coconut oil and beeswax, heat until they mix well. Then add 10-15 drops of Patchouli oil and a few drops of White Fir Essential Oil.You can also mix it into your face cream, lotion, or shampoo, or simply dilute it with a lighter carrier oil.
Exfoliating Face Scrub: Combine 1/4 cup yogurt and cornmeal and add 5 drops each Patchouli and Lavender and 8 drops Melaleuca essential oils.
To tighten loose skin: especially after weight loss, use 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of olive or coconut oil and massage on body regularly. Can also add this to your bathing routine.
For oily skin: Put 2-3 drops on a wet cotton ball and dab on skin. For oily hair, add 2-3 drops to a coin-sized amount of unscented shampoo. Rinse as usual.
For dandruff: Mix 2-3 drops in a conditioner of your choice and apply to scalp. Leave on for the normal duration and then thoroughly rinse it off.
2. Your Stress Buster: Patchouli For Aromatherapy
Properties explored: Anti-depressant
Remember how you wished something could suck away that big, throbbing pain in your head which made it hard for you to breathe even? Well, your prayers have been answered.
Patchouli oil has anti-depression properties which have been a primary reason for its use in aromatherapy.
Researchers show that inhaling this oil stimulates the production of pleasure hormones like Serotonin and Dopamine. Patchouli can help cope with the feeling of anxiety, anger, and sadness.
DIY Applications
You may as well try only adding a few drops in a diffuser or vaporizer.To alleviate anxiety, inculcate use of this oil while bathing. Pour a few drops of water and you are ready to go!
Lemon Verbena Essential Oil is magical and can also be used for aromatherapy.
3. Your Friend In Bed: Patchouli For Sexual Healing
Properties explored: Aphrodisiac
More often than not, most of us come across a phase of sexual inactiveness whether due to a professional stress of personal insecurities.
This essential oil can help you cope up with sexual problems such as loss of libido, impotence, disinterest in sex and sexual anxiety.
Patchouli can help heal sexual consciousness for both males and females increasing the levels of testosterone and estrogen. This oil has been a rescue for many men and women since ancient times.
DIY Applications
Pour in a few drops of essential oil along with other fragrant oils and indulge in long hot baths.
Brahmi Oil can also be used for treating sexual problems.
4. Patchouli For A Healthy Body
Properties explored: Cypholactic, Cicatrisant, Diuretic, Tonic
Apart from boosting your looks on the outside, patchouli is well-known for its ability to correct toxin balances, improve immunity and metabolism irregularities leaving you with skin that is not just beautiful but also very healthy and glowing.
Its cypholactic abilities stimulate generation of new bodily cells and Red Blood Cells which in turn boost your energy levels. This results in increased oxygenation of organs and cells and also ease of absorption of nutrients.
Not just this, the diuretic properties of the oil help you in reducing weight, keeping a check on blood pressure and lowering cholesterol.
It increases the frequency of urination thereby helping the removal of toxins from the body and hence reduces the chances of gallbladder stones. It also relieves you from constipation.
The oil is also known to have toning benefits as it optimizes metabolism, stomach and intestine functionality.It also takes care of endocrinal secretions and enzymes. It also tones up the nervous system, making you more alert and active.
Almond oil also has great health benefits and can be used effectively to treat heart ailments and regulates blood pressure.
5. Your Can’t-Do-Without First Aid Element: Patchouli As Antiseptic
Properties explored: Antiseptic, sedative, anti-phlogistic
Patchouli protects wounds and ulcers from developing an infection and becoming septic.
This essential oil is also known to soothe inflammation particularly if it is a result of fever. Also, controlled intake of this essential oil can reduce body temperatures which can cure fever conditions but it is always advised to consult your family doctor before.
This oil also has sedative properties which soothe out convulsions and rough coughs which often result from hypersensitivity of nerves. Also, it can control skin breakouts by sedating hypersensitivity of the body towards certain elements.
This oil is at your rescue for irregular sleeping patterns as well but make sure not to consider this as an alternative to naturally induced sleep.
6. Patchouli As Cologne
Properties explored: Fragrance
Patchouli, being one of the major components of cologne is a must-have for every musk-fanatic!
Preventive Measures Before You Get Hooked To This Oil
Patchouli oil is safe when applied topically or inhaled. It can be used by itself, but it is always better to blend and dilute it with other carrier oils.
1. Dilution is never harmful, it rather increases the absorption capability of the oil on the skin. It mixes well with bergamot, clary sage, geranium, lavender, sandalwood, lemongrass, and rose oil.
2. Those with sensitive skin may have certain reactions to this herbal oil, so I recommend doing a patch test before using it.
3. While applying it over your body, make sure to avoid contact with your eyes, nose and ears.
4. Intake of this oil is suggested with a teaspoon of honey just not to throw you off with the taste. However, before oral intake, it is always safer to check with your family doctor in case you might have any sensitivity to any particular ingredient of the oil.
5. Also, if you have gastric problems or any other medical contraindication, avoid ingesting this essential oil.
6. Pregnant ladies must refer to their doctors before using patchouli oil in any form. Studies show that this oil should be avoided in the first trimester but are safer to use in second and third trimester with doctor supervision.
7. Patchouli can cause overstimulation of hormones and may have strong sedative effects when used in large amounts. Controlled usage of this oil is a must, especially when being used for stimulating effects.
8. It can also cause photosensitivity and appetite loss.
9. Avoid intake of this oil if you are suffering from eating disorders, traveling anxiety or recovering from a disease.
If you still are wondering if you should or shouldn’t invest in a bottle of patchouli, I must say this oil is like the finest wine, improves with age.
So if you buy it and don’t find it your cup of tea, there always will be someone waiting for a wiser bottle of this essential oil!
